Japan Airlines (JAL) is investing US$10 million in a startup pioneering a ‘new generation’ of supersonic flight.
JAL also has the option to buy 20 aircraft from Colorado-based Boom Supersonic, which is developing commercial planes that can travel from New York to London in three hours and fifteen minutes.
Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines, said the partnership would help the carrier “contribute to the future of supersonic travel”.
The pair will work together to offer supersonic flight to passengers for the first time since the days of Concorde, and at fares 75% lower – similar to current business class prices.
Flying at Mach 2.2 Boom’s planes will slash travel times by 50% and could be on the market within five years.
Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, added: “We’ve been working with Japan Airlines behind the scenes for over a year now. JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers. Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet.”